Effects of TNF-alpha inhibitors on the number of epidermal Langerhans cells in uninvolved skin of psoriatic patients: A pilot study

Human Langerhans Cells with Pro-inflammatory Features Relocate within Psoriasis Lesions

“…Increased ( 60 , 64 , 68 ) or similar ( 70 ) numbers of LCs in non-involved psoriasis skin in comparison to healthy skin have been described. In resolved psoriasis lesions, the LC number is reduced after PUVA treatment ( 64 , 71 , 72 ) and increased during anti-TNF treatment ( 69 , 73 , 74 ). Despite the experimental challenges in enumerating LCs, the wealth of conflicting studies suggests dynamics in the survival or migrational patterns of LCs in psoriasis.…”

“…UV light induces LC migration from the epidermis, and a reduction in the number of LCs in the skin has been noted after UV treatment ( 59 , 72 ). TNF inhibitors alter the balance of resident and infiltrating DCs in both epidermis and dermis ( 69 , 73 , 74 ). Despite complete resolution of macroscopic disease, the local transcriptome remains dysregulated following both UVB and anti-TNF treatment ( 96 , 97 ), and resident T cells poised to produce IL-17A and IL-22 accumulate in resolved lesions ( 30 , 88 ).…”